In a world of Facebook status updates, hourly tweets, ongoing text messages and blog updates, being without your iPod Touch, iPhone or cell phone can mean a total disconnect from your social life. It is necessary to keep a full-functioning device with you at all times to keep on top of the latest news and gossip. The task may seem hard, we know, but luckily iPod car chargers are becoming more and more advanced, making it easy to charge your devices on the go. Griffin has created one such iPod auto charger, the Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro that will take you from disconnected to connected in a matter of moments. It is designed to permanently leave in your car, but it is also easy to remove and compact enough to travel – just don’t leave it in the rental car. The Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro has earned the TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award for its compact size and dual USB port design.
As Apple fanatics ourselves, we understand the need to have several different iPods for different listening needs and situations. This means you must have an iPod car charger that is compatible with several different iPod versions. One would think that if compatible with one version of the iPod, an iPod USB car charger would work with every version. This is, unfortunately, not the case. Because of the different connection ends, each iPod's specific voltage need and more, the Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro is not compatible with every version of the iPod. In its defense, none of the iPod car chargers we researched were compatible with every version. Griffin does a really good job at covering most of the bases though. For your music listening needs, the PowerJolt charges the iPod, iPod Shuffle (first, second and third generations) and the iPod Nano (second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations). You can also charge the iPod touch (first, third and fourth generations). For your phone calling, internet accessing and game playing needs, this iPod car charger is compatible with the all versions of the iPhone.
Additionally, Griffin’s website states, the Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro can charge “almost any device that charges via a standard USB connector.” This means that while charging your iPod you can also charge your phone at the same time, as long as you can connect it via USB. You’ll have to provide your own connection cord, but it is possible to charge other devices besides iProducts. For example, with Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro you could charge the Zune, smart phones and other devices capable of USB connection. Some users report even using this device to charge their GPS units.
If you can believe it, this iPod car charger adapter is about the size of two quarters laid end to end. The small size means that when it's plugged into the power source or cigarette lighter, the PowerJolt Dual Micro sits almost flush with the car. We love this design because it makes charging your iPod or phone in your car less of a hassle. Get in the car, plug in your phone.
The small size also makes the PowerJolt easy to travel with. No matter where you are, most cars have a 12-volt power outlet built in. Because of this universal feature, as long as you have access to a car, you have a power source for your precious iPod or phone.
As alluded to earlier, one of the best features of the Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro is its dual USB ports. Once plugged into your car’s power source, this iPod car charger can charge up to two different devices. Each port has an output of 5 watts; one port doesn’t receive all of the power, each has its own specified circuit. Because of the power coursing through this iPod card charger adapter, Griffin intelligently included SmartFuse, a built-in circuit breaker that stops power influxes from damaging your devices. Since you are plugging the PowerJolt into a car with (on average) a 12-volt input, a power surge is very likely. A built-in circuit breaker to protect your device from a power surge is an important inclusion in any iPod car charger.
Most iPod car chargers are pretty easy to use, but Griffin has created a product that expertly combines user-friendliness with must-have features. The iPod auto charger’s design is one of the most convenient designs we’ve seen. How many times have you been charging something in your car, accidently bump the charger that is sticking 4-5 inches out of the cigarette lighter and lose connection? With the PowerJolt’s compact design, you no longer need to worry about accidental disconnection. Because it sits nearly flush to the power socket, it is impossible to knock out. Because it fits so nicely in the cigarette lighter, we were initially worried about removing the iPod charger once it was firmly in place. Never fear, the lip of the charger does slightly stick out and is easy to grab onto and remove.
Griffin includes a detachable USB cable with one end specifically for connecting your iPod. We think including a dedicated cord to stay in your car is ingenious. With this inclusion, there is no need to worry about misplacing the cord you use to attach your iPod to your computer. Simply leave the provided cord with the iPod car charger at all times – even when travelling.
Despite the simplicity of this product’s design, you may still need assistance with different aspects of the device. Griffin’s website has a detailed listing of each version of the iPod it is compatible with. It has a support page with contact information, but no downloadable user manual or specific FAQs related to the product. We contacted their online support team and received a response with answers to our questions within 24 hours. Griffin also includes a one-year warranty with the PowerJolt Dual Micro that covers both the cord and the adapter.
The Griffin PowerJolt Dual Micro is the best iPod car charger available on the market. Its sleek and compact design makes charging your iPod or phone in your car convenient and efficient. You can charge your phone for the day during your morning commute, or you can pump a little extra juice into your iPod on the way to the gym. No matter your situation, the PowerJolt’s double USB port and built-in SmartFuse circuit breaker make it easy to charge multiple devices at once without the fear of a power surge ruining those devices. We also like that this IPod car charger is compatible with so many different devices. If you are looking for an iPod or USB car charger, Griffin is an excellent brand to turn to, and the PowerJolt has all of the features and functionality to make you a satisfied customer.
